Lakers face tall task in shutting down Vucevic, Magic

27 November, 2018

"We knew we were going to get their best shot, we knew the fans were going to be ecstatic because we were in town, I'm in town, so they played a heck of a game but we kept our composure". One victory came on the road in Cleveland and the other was at home against the Utah Jazz.

Terrence Ross had 16 points including a clutch layup with 34 seconds left as the Magic beat the Lakers for the second time in eight days.

The Orlando Magic (9-10) beat the visiting Lakers 130-117 on November 17 to end their season-long four-game winning streak. James tallied a team-high 24 points and seven assists in the game.

He had eight points, three rebounds and an assist down the stretch to lift Los Angeles to a 109-104 win.

It really shouldn't be a surprise that Orlando ranks high in limiting turnovers, considering Steve Clifford's teams in Charlotte perennially were among the best in this area during his five seasons as head coach of the Hornets. As one may recall, Murray embarrassed Ball last season in hilarious fashion by dribbling around the spoiled point guard after solid win. The Lakers held Utah under 30 percent shooting for most of the first half, but then blew an 11-point lead in the final 3 ½ minutes while committing 13 turnovers in the first half.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram left is congratulated after scoring by forwards Kyle Kuzma center and Le Bron James during the first

Joe Ingles added 18 points, Jae Crowder had 14 and Derrick Favors 11 to help the Jazz snap a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Lakers got enough offensive firepower from James and Ingram combining for 29 of the 52 points in the second half. But this model is not sustainable indefinitely, and Ingram and Kuzma must play much better or the Lakers will struggle even when they win.

Ingram's campaign was interrupted by a four-game suspension levied against him for his part in the ugly Rockets-Lakers brawl in the season's opening week. Isaac had six points and five rebounds against the Lakers in his third game back after missing six games because of an ankle injury.

James excelled in most facets of the game this week but is having trouble with turnovers and free throws.

"Take it to the basket", Ball said of the advice he received at the team's morning meeting and before the Lakers' last game at Cleveland.

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